Skip To Main Content

menu--popup

search--popup

Find it Fast

MV Knight

Students bring Black history to life at Benjamin Turner Academy and Mount Vernon High School

Children hold up Black history covers and raise fists
Students bring Black history to life at Benjamin Turner Academy and Mount Vernon High School

Black History Month came alive across the Mount Vernon City School District on Friday as students at Mount Vernon High School and Benjamin Turner Academy celebrated the legacy, resilience and achievements of African Americans through the ages.

At MVHS, ACE students presented a powerful program tracing the roots of African Americans from the great civilizations of Africa through the transatlantic slave trade, emancipation, Reconstruction and the civil rights movement.

Boy holds up drawing of MLK Jr. as girl stands nearby

Student hosts Amarni Bradnock and Tyson Springs guided the audience through the timeline, introducing classmates dressed in colorful attire who used creative props to recreate key historical periods.

The students portrayed moments ranging from the struggle for freedom to the rise of cultural movements that shaped the nation.

Along the way, Amarni and Tyson energized the crowd with interactive trivia, challenging students to identify classic Black television shows based on theme music, and led dances and songs that encouraged full audience participation.

Girl sings into mic with raised arm

“We’ve been studying the timeline of Black history in the world for the past month,” said MVHS Social Studies and special education teacher Brigitte Jackson. “And now, today, they put it on their presentation to show everyone what they’ve learned.”

Meanwhile, the gym at Benjamin Turner Academy was filled with excitement as students celebrated through performances, artwork and spirited trivia competitions. 

Student Adama Diallo addressed the large audience, reminding peers of the courage and perseverance of leaders and activists such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.

Children sing in large group

“Today we are celebrating Black History Month, a time to learn about people who use courage and kindness to change the world,” Adama said. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘Whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.’ That means even when things feel tricky, don’t give up – you’re doing better than you think!”

Students proudly displayed their artwork, shouted answers to Black history-themed questions and enjoyed lively musical and dance performances.

The events honored a journey that spans continents and centuries, demonstrating that the lessons of courage, perseverance and pride continue to inspire a new generation.
 

Two boys were paper handcuffs
Boys and girls in African garb
Girl with crown and boy with blue and white striped attire
Boy holding sheet
Students performing before large crowd in gym
Two boys and man play flutes
Man and boy playing flutes
Two girls perform dance
Children raising arms
Woman and boy play drums
Girl reading into mic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Strickland outlines 'Excellence by Design' priorities for the new school year
Dr. Strickland outlines 'Excellence by Design' priorities for the new school year

Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland is putting literacy, attendance and student voice among the district’s top priorities for the new school year, while rolling out new technology, expanding access for families and pledging continued transparency about district finances. Dr. Strickland laid out those priorities in his Aug. 25 Superintendent’s Report, describing a districtwide effort to strengthen instruction and the systems that support students. The work is being framed by a new theme, “Excellence by Design,” which he said reflects a deliberate approach to improvement.

Three women stand behind a table with baby manikins in the foreground, while a colorful bulletin board is visible in the background.
Mount Vernon City School District lunch monitors trained in CPR, first aid and AED response

Thirty-eight Mount Vernon City School District lunch monitors returned to school this week with an important new set of skills: the ability to respond when a child or adult faces a potentially life-threatening emergency. The monitors, along with two Central Office staff members, were trained Wednesday in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid and the use of an automated external defibrillator during the District’s first Superintendent’s Conference Day of the 2026-27 school year.

 

A server in an apron offers a sample of food to a woman wearing a lei, while a cafeteria setting with other people is visible in the background.
MVCSD food service staff get a taste of year ahead during professional development retreat

Mount Vernon City School District lunch monitors, head chefs, managers and other food service workers kicked off the new school year with their annual professional development retreat, which served up valuable training, teamwork and a taste of what’s ahead for 2026-27. Staff members from Sodexo – the District’s K-12 food services provide -- gathered at Mount Vernon High School for the various activities, including food tasting, as they prepared to welcome students back from summer vacation. The annual professional development sessions help employees review procedures and regulations while strengthening the teamwork necessary to provide exceptional service to students.

Mount Vernon's Jewel Box
Mount Vernon's Jewel Box - Welcome Back to School!

Welcome back to school! This week, The Mount Vernon City School District greeted students and staff with warm smiles for another exciting school year. Teachers quickly began diving into curriculum, starting off the academic year strong. You can also view Mount Vernon’s Jewel Box on our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube! #ExcellencebyDesign